ADIR Founder Calls on Jewish Organizations to Advocate for the Additions of Antisemitism and Hate Protections to Federal KOSA and New York Children's Online Safety Act

Op-ed in eJewish Philanthropy urges amendments to federal KOSA and New York gaming safety bill to enumerate antisemitism alongside other enumerated harms

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Morielle Lotan, founder and CEO of ADIR, a nonprofit developing technology and talent to combat online antisemitism, published an op-ed in eJewish Philanthropy calling on Jewish organizations to advocate for amendments to pending children's online safety legislation that would explicitly require gaming platforms to address hate, extremism, and antisemitism.

The op-ed, "Children's Online Safety Bills Are Our Chance to Name Hate”: https://ejewishphilanthropy.com/childrens-online-safety-bills-are-our-chance-to-name-hate/ identifies a critical gap in both the federal Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes' proposed gaming safety legislation. While both bills enumerate specific harms platforms must address, including eating disorders, substance abuse, and sexual exploitation, neither names hate or antisemitism.

"When harms are named, platforms must measure them, report on them, and demonstrate they are taking action," Lotan writes. "Generic language lets platforms define problems away. Enumeration creates accountability."

Research cited in the piece shows over half of gaming sessions played with Jewish usernames result in antisemitic harassment, and researchers have identified over a million pieces of extremist content on a single major gaming platform.

ADIR has drafted amendments to the Gounardes bill that would add antisemitism, extremism, and hate to the legislation's required protections. The organization is calling on Jewish federations, advocacy organizations, and foundations to engage legislators at both federal and state levels.

About ADIR

ADIR is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit building technology and developing talent to combat online antisemitism and hate, particularly in gaming environments. Founded by Morielle Lotan following the murder of her nephew Adir Mesika at the Nova Festival on October 7, 2023, the organization operates programs including the GameChangers Fellowship and partnerships with academic institutions and industry leaders. Learn more at www.theadirchallenge.com.